Customize the first column of a table in Loop, i.e. how to remove the numbers?

Question

I am using Loop for communicating an overview of a project. In some cases I would like to create tables where the first column has headers in stead of numbers, e.g. a matrix with headers in the first column and first row. I tried pasting a table from excel into a Loop page but then a column was added on the left with numbers of the rows. Does anyone know if it is possible to avoid the addition of a column with numbers of the left side of the table?

Answer 1

Hi Vince,

Thank you for your reply. How you describe it is how I expected the table to work. Though, when I select the left-most cell it highlights the row and if I right click on the cell, no context menu appears. The below screenshot shows this, in this I have just right clicked, an no menu appeared. The menu appears if I right click in the cell below column 1. The array of six dots that appear above the other columns when I hover them also does not appear, when I hover the first column with numbers.

Regarding your questions:

• The file is created by me and not shared with anyone, unless someone from company IT as a default has access to all new pages.
• I have the same experience in both the desktop app and in the browser version. I have tried editing in both Chrome and Edge browsers.
• I am not getting any error messages. Nothing is stuck I just do not get the option of selecting the column or opening the context menu for the first column.

I hope you can help.

KR

Martin

Answer 2

Hello! Martin Dyrman Hansen

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community

It seems to me that you are having trouble customizing/removing the first column numbers in table in Microsoft Loop.

Certainly! In Loop, you can customize tables to display headers in the first column instead of numbers. Allow me to ask:

• Is the file shared by someone else? or originally created by you?
• Is this happening to other devices, browsers, and network?
• What error message are you getting?

Here’s how you can achieve that:

1. Create a New Table:
   • Open your Loop page where you want to insert the table.
   • Click on the “Insert” tab and select “Table” to create a new table.
2. Remove the Default Numbered Column:
   • By default, Loop adds a numbered column on the left side of the table. To remove it:
     • Click on the leftmost cell in the first column (where the numbers are).
     • Right-click and choose “Delete Column” from the context menu.
3. Add Headers to the First Column:
   • Now that you’ve removed the numbered column, you can add your desired headers to the first column:
     • Click on the first cell in the first column.
     • Type in your header text (e.g., project names, categories, etc.).
4. Customize the Rest of the Table:
   • Continue adding data to the other cells in the table as needed.
   • Adjust column widths, font styles, and other formatting options using the table tools in Loop.
5. Paste Data from Excel (Optional):
   • If you have data in an Excel sheet that you’d like to use, you can copy it from Excel and paste it directly into the Loop table.
   • Make sure to paste it starting from the second column (since you’ve already added your custom header in the first column).

We will also leave the thread open for any volunteer moderators to join in and share their opinion/suggestions to help you with your concern.

Remember that Loop is a versatile tool, and you can tailor your tables to suit your specific needs. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask! 

Thank you,

Vince

Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 3

Hello! Martin Dyrman Hansen

Thank you for the reply!

First of all thank you for sharing the screenshot and for clarifying what you wanted to happen. Currently this is built-in when inserting or creating a table in the Microsoft Loop.

Please note that Microsoft Loop is still new and sitll improving its performance and features for all users. If you have any suggestions, feedback, and feature ideas please od not hesitate to submit them through the feedback hub app. How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365? - Microsoft Support

As we all know that we have no power when it comes to feature/design in the program as this is being handled by the developers of the program.

You can also check the other developments here in this link: Microsoft 365 Roadmap | Microsoft 365

Best regards,

Vince

Microsoft Community Moderator